Shir HaShirim: Ten Miracles and Israel's Greatness in the Mikdash

Full Summary

This shiur provides a profound interpretation of Shir HaShirim 3:5, focusing on the verse "Who is this that comes up from the desert like pillars of smoke?" Rabbi Zweig explains that this refers to the nations recognizing Israel's greatness as they witnessed the miraculous phenomena in the Beis HaMikdash. The shiur centers on a novel understanding of the famous Mishnah (משנה) in Avos 5:5 listing the ten miracles performed in the Beis HaMikdash, including that no woman miscarried from the smell of holy meat, the holy meat never spoiled, no flies appeared in the slaughterhouse, rain never extinguished the altar fire, and wind never dispersed the column of smoke. Rather than viewing these miracles as divine protection of a holy place, Rabbi Zweig proposes they demonstrate the spiritual elevation of Am Yisrael. The miracle of the wind not overcoming the smoke columns represents Israel standing "komemiyus" (upright) like fire reaching skyward. The protection from snakes and scorpions fulfills the verse "umosachem yihyeh al chayas hasadeh" - your fear shall be upon the beasts - achieved through Israel's holiness in the Mikdash. The shiur connects this to the "sixty mighty men" surrounding Shlomo's litter, interpreted as the sixty myriads of Israel "girded with swords, trained in warfare" - referring to Torah (תורה) she'ba'al peh. The greatness of Israel manifests through their role as guardians of the oral tradition and their ability to innovate within Torah law. Rabbi Zweig explores the concept of "nosei haMikdash" (bearers of the Mikdash), explaining that when the Aron traveled with Israel in the desert, it constituted a "mobile Mikdash." The Mikdash's sanctity wasn't merely architectural but required the presence and spiritual achievement of Am Yisrael. This provides insight into Sefer Bamidbar's perspective on the Mishkan - emphasizing Israel's greatness rather than just divine presence. The shiur concludes by examining the "palanquin of Shlomo" and its connection to the Mishkan of Shiloh, reinforcing the theme that Israel's spiritual achievements are integral to the sanctity of holy places throughout Jewish history.